Montelukast or otherwise referred to as Singulair is a medication used to prevent asthma and ease breathing.

Montelukast or otherwise referred to as Singulair is a medication used to prevent asthma and ease breathing. In fact, being created to be used on a long-term basis, it can't help to treat sudden asthma attacks. Therefore, the patient is better always have a bronchodilator inhaler with him. Instead, the medication has the power to decrease the number of asthma attacks. Montelukast is also widely used for relieving allergic symptoms and those of hay fever. Montelukast has gained the reputation of a highly efficient medication. It blocks leukotrienes (natural substances) which are responsible for causing and worsening allergies and asthma. However, besides the positive impact, the medication has on patients, just like all other medications, Montelukast has certain side effects.

First of all, it's essential to carefully read the list of ingredients that compound this drug. In the case of having an allergy to any of them, your doctor will have to find an alternative treatment. Other conditions, that may interfere with Montelukast treatment include pregnancy, breastfeeding, lactose intolerance, taking dietary supplements or herbal preparations, mental or mood problems, liver diseases. This drug may also be sensitive to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as the widespread ibuprofen, and aspirin. Actually, it is unknown whether the medication passes to a baby through breast milk or not. Hence, it's better to consult with a doctor to discuss any possible risks before starting the treatment if you are breastfeeding your baby.

Additionally, if the patient is not "indifferent" toward alcohol, he'd better stay away from it till the course of treatment is on. Otherwise, the side effects may worsen radically. The most common effects of Montelukast are dizziness and drowsiness. Therefore, before you know your reaction to this medication, you'd better avoid driving or doing any other responsible and unsafe activity. Other not serious side effects which are quite common involve light stomach pain, light sore throat, headaches, diarrhea, tiredness and stuffy nose.Specialists warn that some cases have been registered when the patients taking Montelukast experience radical mood changes and depression, trouble sleeping and sleepwalking, hostility and aggression, as well as suicidal thoughts. Though these symptoms are very rare, they are still possible. Be alert and once you notice hallucinations, restlessness or anxiety without a reason, you'd better hurry to your doctor.

It's recommended to never start or stop, as well as increase or decrease the dose of Montelukast without consulting the doctor first. Just the same way it's important to follow the dosage recommendations given by the doctor or written in the instruction. Overdosing may seriously harm a human organism. The symptoms of an overdose include hyperactivity accompanied with a sense of unusual restlessness and anxiety, as well as persistent severe headaches, vomiting, and persevering thirst.

Montelukast is available in 4mg, 5mg, and 10mg pills. The usual adult dose of this medication is a 10mp pill every evening without any regard to food ingestion. However, depending on the patient's health state, his age, as well as the purposes this medication is used for, the doctor may prescribe another dosage.

The information provided on this site is not intended to replace any advice given by your physician or other health care workers. Additionally, you should not attempt to utilize any of this information to treat or diagnose a medical problem without first seeking advice from a qualified medical professional. Further, it is vital that you read any and all instructions and precautions listed on the label of any medication you are prescribed. If you suspect you may be suffering from a medical issue please contact your doctor right away.